The Pioneer revealed a few months ago how Sam, of Deansgate, Ellesmere Port, has undergone many hours of surgery to help him beat a tumour which developed on one of his kidneys and attacked his heart.

Although the life-threatening growth wasn't spotted until late on, Sam has responded well to surgery, as well as to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

His parents, Sara and Paul, have received medical advice from around the world to help in his battle.

They were first alerted to his condition when he underwent a scan at the Countess of Chester Hospital for a suspected stomach bug.

Further tests revealed he had a Wilm's Tumour, a rare infants' cancer of the kidney, which had gone up to his heart, but not into it.

The condition has five stages of seriousness, five being the worst. A biopsy confirmed Sam was stage three.

A rigorous regime of treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, has followed.

Doctors say they have never seen a case like his before in this country.

Sam has since spent more time in hospital and undergone

further debilitating treatment.

But his dad says he is battling well and looking forward to starting at Woodlands Infant School, where he will be closely monitored in case he picks up any infections, which could have serious consequences for him as he has no immune system.

Paul Cooke said: 'It was great of B&Q to ask him to do the opening.

'He's a big show-off and loved every minute of it.'

Manager Phil Lynch said: 'His courage has impressed everyone here, so we could think of no-one better to do the opening for us.'